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Progressive, reversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 August 2014

P W Jenkinson ,
M I Syed  and
L Mcclymont
P W Jenkinson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highlands, Inverness, Scotland, UK
M I Syed*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highlands, Inverness, Scotland, UK
L Mcclymont
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highlands, Inverness, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Mohammed Iqbal Syed, Department of Otolaryngology, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highlands, Inverness IV2 3UJ, Scotland, UK Fax: +44 (0)7792 124 133 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

This paper describes the first reported case of progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine, which was reversed on stoppage of the drug.

Case report:

A female patient with previously normal hearing presented with progressive sensorineural hearing loss after being started on azathioprine. Otological and neurological examination findings were unremarkable. After stopping the drug, the patient reported an improvement in hearing, which was confirmed on pure tone audiometry.

Conclusion:

This previously unreported side effect of azathioprine is highlighted in order to increase clinical awareness. Early recognition of this adverse effect is important to minimise the possibility of permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Keywords

AzathioprineSensorineural Hearing LossToxicityEar, Inner
Type
Clinical Record
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 9 , September 2014 , pp. 838 - 840
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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